General News
12 September, 2025
Festival returns next month
Goldfields Community Festival will be returning to Phillips Gardens these school holidays, following a major turn out at previous events.
Committee for Maryborough’s Kerrie Dowling said she is looking forward to the much loved festival returning in the coming weeks.
“This is the third annual Goldfields Community Festival, and it’s a free, fun day for the community. For the whole day, everything is free, there is no cost,” she said.
As social isolation became prevalent as a result of the COVID pandemic, the event was formed to welcome locals of all ages to become connected with community again.
“It originated just after COVID, and the idea was for people who felt disconnected from their community, isolated, or who had just a general lack of information about what was around or what was happening,” Ms Dowling said.
“So that’s how it started, and there’s been some other supporters along the way.”
The festival has continued since, formed by the Committee for Maryborough, partnered with Maryborough District Health Service, and Central Goldfields Shire Council.
“The energy on the day is just unbelievable. It’s always positive. The weather last year was beautiful too,” Ms Dowling said.
“I know the kids have a ball. Parents have a good day because the kids can do whatever they want.”
This year’s event has also been made possible with funding from Maryborough, Avoca and St Arnaud Community Bank, VicHealth and Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services.
Various organisations including Maryborough Volunteer Resource Centre, Robyn’s Nest, River Gum Support, Y Kinders, Climate Action Group, Mill House, Goldfields Childrens Centre, Early Learning Victoria and many others will be attending on the day.
“There are kids activities, free food, music, and community organisations and local service providers attending,” Ms Dowling said.
“This year, we’ve got a circus workshop every hour, face painting and something called level up gaming. The kids all do an activity, and get a little activity card, and they can run around, do activities and get stamped. Then there’ll be prizes at the end of the day.
“But even for grown ups, if they want to come on the day and hear some local music, that’s all free. Goldfields FM will be there broadcasting for the day, we’ve got about 26 different things aside from the food and music going on.”
Goldfields Community Festival will be held on Saturday, October 4 at Phillips Gardens.
The event is entirely free.
